East Kentucky Racers hold ULTIMATE 5K

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PRESTONSBURG - In what will be the first of many races this year, the newly-formed Eastern

Kentucky Racers hosted the first annual ULTIMATE 5K on Saturday at Archer Clinic. Well over 200 racers and spectators

attended the race.

“We wanted to form Kentucky for two purposes,” Race Director Brent Graden said. “The first reason was to promote fitness and in particular running. No matter what level of fitness you are at, we are going to put on quality events that everyone

can truly enjoy and have fun at. The second reason is community service. We want to leave a legacy behind that everyone in Floyd County can enjoy

for generations to come. That is why we are tackling the project of building a new Floyd County Animal Shelter. It is time to upgrade their facilty

to a new state-of-the-art building where all our furry friends and can find forever homes. We will not rest until this project is completed. For all those who want to see this community project competed, please support our races or make a private donation and become a sponsor of one of the races. It is what you do in life that truly defines you.”

The ULTIMATE 5K started at 8 a.m. and contained many surprises including fireworks, mud, zombies, color run, and a “doughnut-eating” challenge.

“If there is a themed 5K run out there we want to add to the ULTIMATE 5K each and every year,” Graden added. “I think next year we will add some type of “car wash” contraption to the course.”

All official times and more photos of the race can be viewed at tristateracer.com.

Over $3000 was raised for the event. Graden added that the group has stated a first year goal of raising over $20,000 and hopefully a donated piece of land.

“We will look at all options available to us,” stated Graden. “I assume that very soon a steering committee will be formed to tackle the issue of

staying where they are at or whether to build a new facility in another location.

Either way, we will get this project completed and the citizens of Floyd County will have a great place to adopt a pet and to care for them in the meantime. It may take one to two to finish, but we will move forward with a sense of urgency on this project.”Upcoming races for the EKY Racers are the Dewey Lake Triathlon (will be comprised of a half mile swim, a 30 mile bike and a 6.2 mile run) at the

Dewey Lake Dam area on Saturday, June 21 and the Eastern Kentucky Marathon (will be comprised of a full 26.2 mile marathon, a half 13.1 mile

marathon, or a 10k (6.2 mile) race.

Signups are now available at tristateracer.com. For any other questions about these races, East Kentucky Racers or how to help with the building of a new Floyd County Animal Shelter, contact Graden directly at 606-226-9353.

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